for so many years your Commerce in the Baltick Sea (which was almost lost by
the Danish exactions, it being exposed to their lust) even by your own publick
acknowledgment, it is to be ascribed to the prosperity of the former war which
the Swedes waged against the Danes.
Nevertheless it is known, that you are busied about this deliberation, which is put
on by the reproaches of turbulent men who are our enemies, who with such speeches
as these daily beat your cars, via. That the King of Sweden, because he is
ashamed to submit unto the laws which are given him concerning the laying down
of armes in the North, is by all means to be dealt withall as an enemy till be submit
to those Decrees. That the Leagues mode with the Danes require this, the
observation whereof, as it alwayes hath been much valued by those that are honest,
so now it can scarce be neglected without a grievous crime: That the opportunity
it self doth most favourably advance this undertaking, seeing the Emporont of
Germany, the King of Poland, the Duke of moscovia, and the Elector of Brandenburg,
doe invade him while be is wrasting with the Dane; that the Swtuish
Forces are wasted, that his Fleet is not strong enough, that his native Souldiers
will not be sufficient to maintain so many and several Wars, that to maintain
Forreign Souldiers, money and other necessaries are wanting; that the King of
France is indeed a Friend, but pretty far distant, nor to be feared at sea, where
the Swedes are distressed, that the moneys supplyed by him will not suffice to hire
Forces able to resist the Troops of so many Poten Enemies, and that he being
midgated by the Marriage with a Lady, allyed to the Austrians, will be more cool
in his affection towards the Swedish Party; and as for the English, who otherwise
would be forward to attempt something for the Swedes, that now they labouring
under their domestick troubles, and the often changes of Government, will
scarce have leisure to become Arbiters of the Affairs of others, and will hardly
oppose yous desires; and Iastly, that there are some who can by certain Artifices
manage the affairs of that Commonwealth, so, as to cause all to be without effect
by slipping the opportunities of action. In the mean time, the business is vigorously
to be prosecured, and Sweden is to be hound in Fetters, whereby they
promise to themselves prosperous success, and that a vast increase of Trade, and
Peace through all Europe will follow; alledging, that so much the greater glory
will redound to you, by how much the matter hath hitherto been esteemed of greatest
moment, and almost not to be effected.
Which indeed seeming to be magnificent suggestions, may easily be hearkned
unto by those whose advantage it is to set forth their unjust dealing with plausible
pretences. But truly, these things are not so firmly grounded, that they
should move those who are accustomed to be led by reason, either to undertake
such things, or to secure themselves of that issue which they so much boast of,
namely, an universal Peace. For surely, hitherto it was never heard of, and it
is altogether unusual, that a King, whose just Armes have given him no concontemptible
success against another, should be driven to this, that he should
quit them for nothings, and of his own accord reject the fruits of his labours,
which by the blessing of God he hath obtained. For, the King of Sweden
doth not demand unjust things, but only that he may safely possess that which
the Danes themselves by Treaties have delivered, or should have delivered, when
they thought it a Gain, by the loss thereof to redeem the whole Kingdome:
but to alledg profit only for a reason, and to obtrude without any regard to
Equity and justice, their own lust for a rule to others, it seems somewhat strange
in them, to whom God hath not as yet given hostages to assure, them of the
perpetual felicity of their Commonwealth, and upon whom amongst so many
changes of humane affairs, the examples which they give may be returned.